Mock the Toast | 05.02.24

Wine Dips | AB inBev Prioritizing Cero | Overrated Hops

everything zero to low-alcohol

Industry

World wine consumption dropped 2.6% in 2023, hitting the lowest since 1996, influenced by factors like China's decreased intake and economic challenges, though some markets like Spain and Romania saw growth. (reuters.com)

No-alcohol product innovation is expanding with established brands, new agave spirits, and health-focused "alcohol adjacents," with forecasted growth across various segments including craft beers and sparkling wines through 2027. (theiwsr.com)

Firestone Walker Brewing Company launches 8ZERO5, a non-alc beer, in California as part of its expansive summer marketing campaign for its beer brands. (mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com)

On working with a beverage formulator. (dryatlas.com)

NZ-based AF has secured distribution deals with Walmart and Target in the US, boosting its presence to over 2,100 North American stores. (thepost.co.nz)

The popularity of alc-free beer is surging, with a 34.5% increase in sales from 2022 to 2023-- key drivers include improved taste resembling real beer, growing female interest, and reduced alcohol consumption among younger adults. (foxnews.com)

AB InBev is expanding its non-alc beer technology with new facilities in the UK, aiming to grow the "adult refreshment" market with its flagship 0.0% brand Corona Cero---planning to expand its distribution to 23 markets by the end of 2024. (just-drinks.com)

AB InBev is enhancing the quality of 0.0% ABV beer, focusing on body and aroma using advanced brewing and dealcoholization techniques like vacuum distillation. (foodnavigator.com)

How bars are adapting to increased demand for better non-alc beverages including adding more sophisticated options like non-alc spirits and craft cocktails. (forbes.com)

Miller has rebranded Miller64 to "Miller Extra Light," emphasizing its low alc content of 2.8% ABV and 64 calories, responding to consumer demands for lighter, healthier beer options. (americancraftbeer.com)

Despite Boisson's closure, independent non-alc bottle shops remain optimistic about their future, focusing on specialized service and curated selections. (punchdrink.com)

CBD drinks brand Trip tops the UK's Fast 50 list of fastest-growing food and drink companies, showcasing record two-year sales growth of 389% and expanding its range with new functional drinks. (thegrocer.co.uk)

Emergent Beverage brands such as Calexo land in Florida. (linkedin.com)

THC product producers in Iowa have mixed reactions to a proposed law that could impose significant regulations on the industry, affecting everything from product potency to sales restrictions. (thegazette.com)

Barry O'Sullivan, Diageo Ireland's MD, discusses plans to expand Guinness 0.0 production, aiming for it to reach 15% of Guinness sales within five years due to rising demand. (irishtimes.com)

Samuel Adams named the official beer and non-alc beer of the Tapped Festival. (finance.yahoo.com)

Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails secures an equity investment. (linkedin.com)

Podcast: Co-founder of Crossip discusses his approach to creating non-alc spirits not as a replacement for alcohol but as unique flavor-first beverages for those who enjoy mature tastes without the side effects of alcohol. (lownodrinkermagazine.com)

Launches + Collabs + More

NON releases a stopper. (linkedin.com)

Kit NA Brewing announces the "TUNED IN To Mental Health" initiative, promoting mental health awareness and support through collaborations and events, enhanced by a dedicated resource hub and merchandise for donations. (prnewswire.com)

Nirvana releases new beers ideal for bbq weather. (thedrinksbusiness.com

New canned Pentire Margarita. (linkedin.com

Wisconsin Brewing & Harley Davidson collab on NA beer. (onmilwaukee.com)

Proxies hints at new collabs and products. (linkedin.com)

Mash Gang releases Super Sipper DIPA (alc and non-alc) with Commonwealth Brewing and Super Friendz.

Better Booch’s N/Ative debuts a sparkling rosΓ©.

Best Day Brewing launches Yuzu Ginger Shandy. (brewbound.com)

Botivo Drinks and its YELLOW PIANO. (linkedin.com)

Reply to this email with your launches, collabs, expansions and/or news.

Health

Couples with similar, moderate drinking habits tend to live longer than those with differing or no drinking habits, suggesting shared activities may improve relationship quality and longevity. (bps.org.uk)

A Harvard researcher highlights how stigmatizing language in medical settings can worsen patient outcomes for those with alcohol-associated liver disease. (harvard.edu)

Culture

Walker Hayes, six years sober, partners with Athletic Brewing Company to launch a non-alc beer named "Fancy Like," inspired by his viral hit song, amid his ongoing journey with sobriety. (rollingstone.com)

Jean-FrΓ©dΓ©ric Hugel, a 13th-generation French winemaker, 'humorously' criticizes the environmental impact of no-alc wines, emphasizing that water is the best non-alc drink. (winespectator.com)

Exploring the benefits of non-alc bottle shops, highlighting their role in fostering community, offering diverse products, and supporting the sober-curious movement. (therecoverycatblog.com)

Non-Non-Alc Splashes

Ten beer experts discuss the most overrated and underrated hops. (vinepair.com)

Considering selling your distillery? Key factors to consider. (distilling.com)

How to make your own cocktails on a flight. (wineenthusiast.com)

Data Shot πŸ₯ƒ

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